Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI)

Overview

The Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) is a centrally supported scheme announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It aims to expand India’s mangrove cover by restoring and afforesting approximately 540 sq km of degraded mangrove areas across 9 coastal states and 4 Union Territories over a five-year period (2023-2028). The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) through convergence between MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund, and other sources.

India’s total mangrove cover stands at 4,991.68 sq km (0.15% of the country’s geographical area) as per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. Mangroves serve as critical coastal buffers against cyclones and storm surges, sequester carbon at rates 3-5 times higher than terrestrial forests, support fisheries, and protect shoreline habitats.

Funding Structure

The programme is funded primarily through the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA):

• 70% of total funding (approx. ₹1,250 crore) from CAMPA — split equally between State CAMPA (50%) and National CAMPA (50%)
• Core activities (plantation, nursery, site preparation) — 100% financed through CAMPA
• Support component — 10% from CAMPA + 20% from other sources (MGNREGS, state budgets, CSR)
• For FY 2024-25, ₹17.96 crore was released as the first instalment from CAMPA to participating states

Implementation Mechanism

• MGNREGS convergence: Labour for mangrove plantation and maintenance is provided through MGNREGA, generating rural employment while achieving ecological restoration
• State Forest Departments are the primary implementing agencies, working with local communities, Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs)
• Livelihood components are integrated — communities earn income from mangrove-based activities (crab farming, honey collection, eco-tourism)

Coverage — States and Union Territories

MISHTI is being implemented across 11 states and 2 Union Territories:

Progress (2023-2025)

• 22,560.34 hectares taken up for plantation and restoration through convergence across 13 States/UTs
• 3,836 hectares additional area under gap funding of National CAMPA
• Total area targeted in the first two years: 26,396.34 hectares
• Gujarat has emerged as the national leader — covering 19,020 hectares (85% of total land acquired under MISHTI) in two years
• Gujarat holds the second-highest mangrove cover in India after West Bengal

India’s Mangrove Cover (ISFR 2023)

Latest Developments

• 2026: IMPRI published a gender-perspective analysis of mangrove governance under MISHTI, highlighting the need for women’s participation in mangrove management committees
• July 2025: India’s mangrove cover increased by 16.68 sq km to reach 4,991.68 sq km (MoS Environment informed Parliament)
• FY 2024-25: ₹17.96 crore released from CAMPA to Gujarat, West Bengal, Kerala, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha
• 2023-2025: 22,560.34 hectares taken up for mangrove plantation and restoration across 13 States/UTs
• February 2023: MISHTI announced in Union Budget 2023-24 alongside PM-PRANAM and Amrit Dharohar schemes

Prelims Importance

• MISHTI announced in Union Budget 2023-24 (1 February 2023)
• Full form: Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes
• Target: 540 sq km over 5 years (2023-2028)
• Funded primarily through CAMPA (70%) with convergence from MGNREGS
• Total funding: approx. ₹1,250 crore
• India’s total mangrove cover: 4,991.68 sq km (ISFR 2023)
• West Bengal has the highest mangrove cover (42.45%); Gujarat is second (23.66%)
• Sundarbans (West Bengal) is the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest
• Mangroves are found in 12 states and UTs of India
• Gujarat is the top performer under MISHTI — 19,020 hectares restored in 2 years
• Related schemes announced alongside MISHTI: PM-PRANAM (promoting alternative fertilisers) and Amrit Dharohar (wetland conservation)

Mains & Interview Importance

GS Paper 3 — Environment, Biodiversity, Conservation

• Evaluate the effectiveness of convergence-based funding (CAMPA + MGNREGS) for mangrove restoration vs. dedicated budget allocation
• Analyse the role of mangroves in India’s climate adaptation strategy and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
• How do mangrove ecosystems contribute to both climate mitigation (blue carbon sequestration) and adaptation (coastal protection)?

GS Paper 3 — Disaster Management

• Discuss the role of mangrove restoration in reducing vulnerability of coastal communities to cyclones, tsunamis, and storm surges (with reference to evidence from the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and Cyclone Amphan 2020)

GS Paper 2 — Governance

• Critically evaluate the CAMPA-MGNREGS convergence model for ecological restoration — does it provide adequate funding and labour continuity?

Interview / Essay Angles

• “Mangroves are the unsung guardians of India’s coastline” — discuss the ecological, economic, and social significance of mangrove conservation
• Can India’s target of 540 sq km mangrove restoration under MISHTI serve as a model for other developing nations?
• Gender dimensions of mangrove governance — how can women’s self-help groups be integrated into MISHTI implementation?

Sources: PIB, MoEFCC, Insights on India, Down to Earth